What is a Dermatologist

A dermatologist is a qualified medical specialist who, through additional training, has obtained postgraduate qualifications to specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of skin disease and skin cancers.

Dermatologists treat patients of all ages, from babies and children to adolescents and adults.

All Australian dermatologists have undergone a comprehensive dermatology education and training program lasting many years. More information regarding dermatology training is available from the Australasian College of Dermatologists websitehttp://www.dermcoll.asn.au

Skin cancer clinics are staffed by general practitioners in general. At times, you may come across the confusing sign of "Specialist Skin Cancer Clinic." The "specialist" running these skin cancer clinic are usually surgeons with NO specialist training in dermatology.

"Cosmetic Physicians" are also general practitioners with NO specialist training in dermatology. These "Cosmetic Physicians" usually packaged themselves as "Skin Cancer Physicians" as well. They are neither Dermatologist nor Plastic Surgeons.

One may also come across practitioners with qualifications such as being members of some "colleges" of cosmetic medicine or having Diplomas in "Practical" or "Clinical" Dermatology. These are NOT specialist qualifications. The training associated with these qualifications is aimed at General Practitioners, usually involved a fee-paying course of short (days to weeks) duration with the major part of training done by correspondence.

To check your Dermatologist''s credentials, you could check the web site of the Australasian College of Dermatologists or simply go to the Medical Board of Australia. Please note that there is an entity known as the "Medical Register of Australia"; this is simply a commercial advertising publication similar to the Yellow Pages.